Make an original decorative mark using air dry clay and then paint and embellish it however you want!

Steps

1

Create a 4” diameter structure to serve as the mask shape. To do this, you can curve a magazine and stuff some newspaper into the back of it. Once curved into a long semi-circle it can be taped to keep the shape. Alternatively, you can use a PVC pipe cut in half lengthwise. Each will allow a good mold for the mask. Once you have this shape (to avoid the clay sticking to it) insert it into a plastic bag. Put this to the side as you will need it later.

2

Take some air dry clay. Put the clay on a piece of canvas and then roll it out to ¼” thick. This is best achieved by using a rolling kit which has slats to show the thickness. or you can use and a rolling pin and wooden paint sticks. The amount of clay needed will depend on the size and decorative features of the mask you intend to make.

3

Add texture to the clay mask. You can use a lace doily or similar and continue to roll the clay with the rolling pin while still using the slats. This will leave a good imprint onto the clay.

4

Cut out the mask shape you want. Use a skewer to cut around the clay to get the shape and then place the mask on the structural form you made earlier.

5

Cut out eyeholes and a mouth. To add volume to the features use small pieces of clay and roll and shape them into parts to form a nose, eyebrows, eyes or a lips.

Once shaped the pieces can be attached to the mask by dampening, with a little water, and brushing this onto both sides of the clay. Press the new features into the clay to make sure they are stick together well.

Alternatively use small pieces of clay to form shapes like a snake or use a cookie cutter to cut out any shape you like or perhaps even simply scratch some lines into the mask clay. Additional pieces can be attached as before with brushing a little water onto the clay.

6

Use a straw or skewer to punch holes at either side of the mask if you want to hang it up. Once the clay is dry you can then add string or wire to the mask.

7

Decorate as desired. If you wish to press any decorations, such as beads or jewels, into the clay now is the time to do this.

8

Leave the mask overnight to dry. Place a plastic bag placed loosely over top of it.

9

Paint it with an acrylic paint, powdered metallic powders or mica paints to gain a fantastic finish!